Oftenly you have heard about filling nitrogen air in the tires. These practice are becoming popular day-by-day. But still many people are confused whether is it really worthy to pay extra for nitrogen gas than the normal air. The atmospheric air consists 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen & 1% CO2, water vapour & other gases. So, when there is already 78% nitrogen in the environment then what is the need to fill the tire completely with nitrogen? Well, take a look at the points given below to understand its advantages:-
Nitrogen does not expand
As clear from the aforementioned statement, even the compressed air, that is generally used in tyres consists of a majority of Nitrogen, the fact that it consists of 21% oxygen in addition as well, bring all the differences.
Nitrogen is relatively inert (as compared to Oxygen), as it does not expand, the tyre pressure remains stable at a particular value, which essentially means that it need not be regulated with the advent of summers or even winters.
The normal compressed air, on the other hand, contains about 21% of Oxygen, which expands and so its use in scorching summer heats especially in North-India becomes a bit dangerous as in extreme cases, a higher inflation pressure will increase the possibilities of tire blast.
No rusting
As evident from the composition of compressed air asserted above, it contains a minute bit of water vapour. Though it is even less than 1%, it still means that the tyres filled with compressed air continuously, have relatively higher chances of rusting as compared to tires filled with nitrogen, as nitrogen is completely dry.
The tyres inflated with Nitrogen over extended time periods are more likely to have rust-free rims, in comparison with the ones filled with the standard compressed air.
Nitrogen does not leak
The tire pressures will remain more stable in case of nitrogen as compared to compressed air. The Nitrogen is less likely to mitigate as compared to oxygen, as it does not mitigate tyre pressure are more likely to remain constant for extended time intervals.
The fact that dry nitrogen does not contain any traces of water or water vapour helps its cause and is the reason why its pressure is more likely to remain constant as compared to compressed air.
An expected increase in fuel efficiency
Though there is no proof that Nitrogen in tyres will result in increased efficiency, even we are not striking a claim, there still exists a possibility that tyres filled with nitrogen may provide marginal better fuel efficiency.
A probable reason that is often used to argue this assertion is that the tyre feels lighter and as they run light they can provide better efficiency.
‘To Nitpick…..’
There is no denying the fact that Nitrogen in tyres sound like an all gain deal and since it brings so many advantages to the table, it comes at a price, unlike the compressed air. Though the price depends on the availability, filling nitrogen in tyres could cost anywhere between Rs (25-50) for each tyre.
